There are actually five extremely well marked trails for Mont Pinnacle. Each colour coded for easy recognition with a varied level of effort assigned to them. Like most trails, there is a large map on site to consult. There was also a Mont Pinnacle staff member at the trail start when we were hiking through and she gave us a good run down of each trail and her recommendations.
We opted to hiked counter clockwise taking trail #5 on the ascent, crossing over to trail #1 for the main lookouts, then descending by trail #4.
Why this route? Well, hiking up trail #5 means that it’s a slightly steeper ascent for a good 150m but worth it to reach the less busy view point of Petit lac Baldwin as well as some unofficial viewpoints on your way up to the first main lookout on trail #1. Trail #5 is also less crowded during peak times. Trail #1 has the two dramatic cliff bearing lookouts that give you an impressive view of Lac Lyster and the mountain range in the distance. Route 4 was suggested for the descent as it’s a nice wide, dirt trail with plenty of switchbacks. At all costs, we were told to avoid trail #3 which is the actual cliff route for climbers.
Overall it is a very accessible and easy hike to enjoy. Only 30-45mins to reach the main lookouts! Now when we say accessible, I mean easy to hike, and not recommended for strollers and wagons (it’s too rocky in places).
There are several lookout points along trail #5 yet the view you’ll see most in pictures is the one from the main lookout of trail #1. And with good reason, she’s a beaut. It was a little (read lot) windy up there and I didn’t mind one bit. The view was gorgeous and the lookout was wide enough that even with a little crowd, there was still enough views for everyone. It reminded a little of Eagles Nest and Rock Dunder near Ottawa.
